Translation technology in electronic sourcing

ABSTRACT

A method for providing effective communication in a network, including obtaining from an editor data in a first language, accepting from the editor at least one allowable language other than the first language, receiving a request from a reader to access the data in a second language, if the second language is the at least one allowable language, rendering a version of the data in the second language to the reader, and if the second language is not the at least one allowable language, providing the data to the reader in the first language.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to conducting online electronicauctions, and in particular, using translation technology in electronicsourcing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electronic sourcing management processes for products andservices have been developed. Network systems communicate with usersduring many different phases of the management process. Since many userssometimes communicate in different languages, it is desirable tocommunicate with them in as many different languages as possible so thatthe electronic sourcing will be successful.

[0003] It is believed that in present online auctions, systems allowmanagement of electronic sourcing only in one language. These systemsmay even render no information if a desired language is unavailable. Insystems with only one language, a target supplier base may be limitedbecause some suppliers may not be able to understand the informationpresented to them and thus, are unable to adequately participate in thesourcing process. Consequently, competition is diminished and a lessefficient market will result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a method for effective communication in anetwork. This method includes obtaining from an editor data in a firstlanguage, accepting from the editor at least one allowable languageother than the first language, receiving a request from a reader toaccess the data in a second language, if the second language is the atleast one allowable language, rendering a version of the data in thesecond language to the reader, and if the second language is not the atleast one allowable language, providing the data to the reader in thefirst language.

[0005] The invention also provides a method for effective communicationin an electronic auction. This method includes providing to an editor atemplate to receive fields and data related to the auction in a firstlanguage, accepting the fields and data from the editor in the firstlanguage and any additional languages provided by the editor, receivingfrom a reader a language choice to view the fields and data, if thelanguage choice is the first language, displaying the fields and thedata in the first language, if the language choice is the secondlanguage, displaying the fields in the second language and the data inthe first language and if the language choice is a third language,displaying the fields in at least one of the first and second languagesand the data in the first language.

[0006] The invention further provides a system for effectivecommunication in a network. This method includes a first database forreceiving and storing text in a plurality of languages, a seconddatabase for receiving and storing data in a plurality of languages, andat least one processor for providing to an editor the fields in a baselanguage chosen by the sponsor, accepting the data from the editor inthe base language and any additional languages provided by the editor,receiving from a reader at least one chosen language to view the fieldsand data, and displaying the fields and data in at least one of thechosen language and the base language.

[0007] The invention also provides a computer system operativelyconnected to a network for facilitating communication over a network.This system includes means for providing to an editor fields in a firstlanguage to receive data, where the fields are available in at least asecond language, means for accepting the data from the editor in thefirst language and any additional languages provided by the editor,means for receiving from a reader a language choice to view the fieldsand data, means for determining if the language choice is one of thefirst language, the second language and a third language, means fordisplaying the fields and the data in at least one of the firstlanguage, second language, and third language based upon thedetermination.

[0008] The invention further provides a machine readable medium forrendering data in different languages. The medium includes a firstmachine readable code that provides to an editor fields in a firstlanguage to receive data, where the fields are available in at least asecond language, a second machine readable code for accepting the datafrom the editor in the first language and any additional languagesprovided by the editor, a third machine readable code for receiving fromthe reader a language choice to view the fields and data, a fourthmachine readable code for determining if the language choice is thefirst language, the second language and a third language, a fifthmachine readable code for displaying the fields and the data in at leastone of the first language, second language, and third language basedupon the determination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate the presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the generaldescription given above and the detailed description given below, serveto explain the features of the invention.

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011]FIG. 1A is a flow diagram of a request for quotation in anauction;

[0012]FIG. 1B is a flow diagram of a bidding process in an auction;

[0013]FIG. 1C is a flow diagram of a contract award following anauction;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a block flow diagram of one embodiment of the method ofthe invention;

[0015]FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary user interface display for aneditor;

[0016]FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary user interface display foran editor;

[0017]FIG. 3C illustrates yet another exemplary user interface displayfor an editor;

[0018]FIG. 3D illustrates yet another exemplary user interface displayfor an editor;

[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates yet another exemplary user interface displayfor an editor;

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface display for areader;

[0021]FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary user interface display for areader;

[0022]FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary user interface displayfor a reader;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of communications lines betweena coordinator, a buyer, and suppliers in an auction; and

[0024]FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of auction software andcomputers hosting that software in an auction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodimentsof the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the Figures anddescriptions of the present invention included herein illustrate anddescribe elements that are of particular relevance to the presentinvention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elementsfound in typical auction systems and computer networks.

[0026] The invention provides a multi-lingual online environment inelectronic sourcing. The method and system are particularly applicableto online auctions for global markets. The method and system alloweditors and readers to communicate with each other and the network intheir desired languages.

[0027] The following description of the features of the presentinvention is presented in the context of downward-based onlineindustrial auctions. However, as would be appreciated by one of ordinaryskill in the relevant art, these inventive features could also beapplied in the context of any electronic sourcing event and anycommunications via a network.

[0028] The basic process for a purchaser sponsored supplier-bidding orreverse auction, as conducted by the assignee of the present invention,is described below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates thefunctional elements and entities involved in setting up and conducting atypical supplier-bidding auction. FIG. 1A illustrates the creation of anauctioning event, FIG. 1B illustrates the bidding during an auction, andFIG. 1C illustrates results after completion of a successful auction.

[0029] In the supplier-bidding reverse auction model, the product orservice to be purchased is, preferably, defined by the sponsor, ororiginator, 10 of the auction, as shown in FIG. 1A. Alternatively, thebuyer, or user, may set up all or some of its own bidding events andfind its own suppliers. The sponsor 10 could run the events through amarket operations center, which is a facility where auctions aremonitored and participants receive assistance, or run the events as aself-service option. Software may be provided to the sponsor 10 througha plug-in program or similar means. If the sponsor 10 decides to use theauctioning system of the present invention to procure products orservices, the sponsor 10 may provide information to an auctioncoordinator 20. That information may include information about incumbentsuppliers and historic prices paid for the products or services to beauctioned, for example. Preferably, the sponsor 10 also works with theauction coordinator 20 to define the products and services to bepurchased in the auction and lot the products and services appropriatelyso that desired products and services can be procured using optimalauction dynamics.

[0030] In any event, an editor, who may be the buyer, sponsor ororiginator, sets up an auction, or any other sourcing project, byproviding information about the auction in a desired language. Theeditor preferably logs into an auction system to access a database. Asshown in FIG. 2, to create a new auction, in step 120, the editor maycreate a template by providing descriptive information. For example, asshown in FIG. 3A, the editor manually enters text 127 to define thefields of the template and provides any other information necessary tocomplete the template. This text is entered in a first language, whichis also known as a base language. As shown in FIG. 3B, the editor mayalso choose fields for the newly created template by selecting thefields from the drop-down boxes 128. These fields may be added fromalready existing templates or as newly created fields. The system thendisplays a series of fields in the first language in an organization forthe editor to review. The newly created template is a reusable componentof a sourcing project. These fields of information may be shown on theeditor's computer screen and may also be provided as a template withheadings or questions. Once the fields are created in the base language,the editor may then be prompted to enter translations for the dynamictext in the fields entered in the base language. For example, as shownin FIG. 3C, the editor may want the field, “General” in the baselanguage of English to also be available in Spanish, so the editor wouldenter the Spanish translation of “General” in box 129. The resultingtemplate may be used for Requests for Quotation (“RFQ”), Requests forInformation (“RFI”), Requests for Proposals (“RFP”), collectively knownas RFx, and posting translation as discrete types of projects.

[0031] The editor then enters the data, which may be manually entered intext strings, in the base language. The text strings may bedescriptions, details, numbers, desired bidders, answers to questions orany other information. These text strings may be presented to the editorin a fillable blank text box. In one aspect of the invention, the choiceof language is indicated at the time the editor creates the auction. Inanother aspect of the invention, the choice of language has already beenstored in the editor's profile based on earlier transactions. Thisprofile may contain more than one language preference and a ranking ofthose preferences, where the language provided in the fields is thehighest ranked language available in the system.

[0032] An example of a display having auction data is shown in FIG. 3D.Screen 130, which functions as a review page for the user to confirm thedata entered, displays auction details 131 for the auction, such asauction title and description 132, “A second auction for hats” and“Various types of hats and caps,” auction rules 133, general commercialterms 134, such as payment terms 135 being “Net 30,” lots and documents136, such as lot title and lot description 137 being “Winter Caps” and“Hats for wearing when the weather is cold,” and lot title anddescription 138 being “Summer Hats” and “Hats to protect from the sun.”In this example, the base language is English, so the fields and dataare shown in English.

[0033] The editor then has the option to re-enter the data in additionallanguages, such as French, German, Spanish, etc . . . In one aspect ofthe invention, the user views what was entered in the base language andre-enters the data in additional languages in fillable text boxes. Forexample, in screen 140, shown in FIG. 4, if an editor chooses French asanother language in a drop down box of available languages 141, theauction details 142, general commercial terms 143, and lot information144 will be displayed in the base language of English with text boxesfor the French translations. In this example, the auction title 145 hastext in a base language of English, “A second auction for hats,” thatcorresponds to the French text entered in the text box 146, “Unedeuxième enchère pour des chapeaux.” Similarly, the lot name 147 hastext in the base language of English, “Winter Caps,” that corresponds tothe French text entered in text box 148, “Chapeaux D'Hiver.” The editormay obtain the translations of the original data from any source,including translation programs, such as those available on the Internet,and publications. The editor continues to choose languages and re-enterthe data for each chosen language.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, the editor enters all data inall different allowable languages at one time. This method is preferredif the data has a relational structure, such as a tree and inparticular, a commodity tree.

[0035] In accordance with FIG. 2, when the editor enters the data, ordetails, in the base language and any additional languages, the systemaccepts this data in step 122 and stores it in a database associatedwith the auction the editor has created. The data that does not need tobe translated, such as numbers, dates, and taxonomy selections likeradio button or check box inputs, that may be separated from the otherdata by the system to reduce its workload. A specification may then beprepared for each desired product or service, and a RFQ may be generatedfor the auction. Next, the auction coordinator 20 may identify potentialsuppliers, or potential bidders, 30, preferably with input from thesponsor 10, and invite the potential suppliers 30 to participate in theupcoming auction in step 123. These potential suppliers 30 are thereaders of the data. The editor may also be a reader of the data. In oneaspect of the invention, the invitations are sent via e-mail and containdetails about the auction and/or how to access details about theauction. Each invitation may be in the base language or a preferredlanguage stored in a profile already created by the potential supplier30. Similar to the editor's profile described above, there may be morethan one language preferred of which may be ranked in order ofpreference. In this case, the invitation will be provided in the mostpreferred language available.

[0036] The suppliers 30 that are selected to participate in the auctionmay become bidders 30 and may be given access to the RFQ, typicallythrough an RFQ in a tangible form, such as on paper or in an electronicformat. Access to the system may be achieved via logging in with a username and password or any other means. The potential supplier 30, orreader, will then indicate his or her language choice or choices, whichmay be done by the system accessing the reader's preferences orinquiring directly. The preferred language may be chosen by entering itmanually or clicking on a language in a drop-down menu. In the drop-downmenu, the base language may be indicated as the first language in a listof languages. When the system receives the language choice in step 124,the auction information, including the fields and data, which wereprovided by the editor, are displayed in step 125. If the languagechoice is the base language, the auction information is displayed in thebase language. For example, in FIG. 5, the base language and languagechoice are both English, so the display of the lot list 150 is inEnglish. Similarly, if the language choice is one of the languagesalready entered by the editor, the auction information and data aredisplayed in the chosen language. For example, in FIG. 6, the languagechoice and an allowable language, which was entered by the editor, areFrench, so the display of the lot list 160, or “losliste” in this case,is in French.

[0037] If the language choice is not the base language or any otherallowable language entered by the user, the display of the lot list willbe in the base language, where if the base language is English, thedisplay would be the same as that shown in FIG. 5. However, if thesystem is able to provide its information, or fields and/or boiler platetext, in the language choice, those fields and/or boiler plate text maybe displayed according to the language choice of the reader. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 7, an Italian reader chooses Italian as hislanguage choice, but Italian is not the base language of English or anyof the other allowable languages. Italian is, however, a language thatis available by the system to view the fields and/or boiler plate text.Therefore, the display of the lot list 170, or “Elenco dei lotti” inthis case, is shown in both Italian and English. Whatever data wasprovided by the editor is displayed in the base language of English,while the fields, which consists of titles and instructions, aredisplayed in the language choice of Italian.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention, the system provides amethod for the editor to update the data in the template. For instance,if the editor updates a desired quantity in a lot before an auctionbegins and the data is able to be translated, the system may then notifythe editor that the data in the other languages must also be updated orelse only the update will be provided to the readers in the baselanguage. This notification may occur while the editor is logged intothe system or may occur via e-mail or some other type of correspondence.

[0039] After the potential suppliers 30, or readers, view theinformation about an auction, they are then ready to submit bids oncethe auction begins. As shown in FIG. 1B, during a typical auction, bidsare made for lots. Bidders 30 may submit actual unit prices for all lineitems within a lot, however, the competition in an auction is typicallybased on the aggregate value bid for all line items within a lot. Theaggregate value bid for a lot may, therefore, depend on the level andmix of line item bids and the quantity of goods or services that areoffered for each line item. Thus, bidders 30 submitting bids at the lineitem level may actually be competing on the lot level. During theauction, the sponsor 10 may monitor the bidding as it occurs.

[0040] After the auction, the auction coordinator 20 may analyze theauction results with the sponsor 10. The sponsor 10 may conduct finalqualification of the low bidding supplier or suppliers 30. The sponsor10 may furthermore retain the right not to award business to a lowbidding supplier 30 based on final qualification or other businessconcerns. As shown in FIG. 1C, a supply contract may be drawn up for thewinning bidder 30 and executed based on the results of the auction.

[0041] The auction may be conducted electronically between bidders 30 attheir respective remote sites and the auction coordinator 20 at itssite. Alternatively, instead of the auction coordinator 20 managing theauction at its site, the sponsor 10 may perform auction coordinatortasks at its site.

[0042] Information may be conveyed between the coordinator 20 and thebidders 30 via any communications medium. As shown in FIG. 8, bidders 30may be connected to the auction through the Internet via a globalenvironment, such as the Internet 40. For example, using a computersystem coupled to a modem 45, bidders 30 may connect to the auction viaan existing dial-up telephone line. Alternatively, sponsors 10 andbidders 30 may be coupled to the auction by communicating directly withthe auction coordinator 20 through a public switched telephone network,a wireless network, or any other connection.

[0043] A computer software application may be used to manage theauction. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 9, the software application hastwo components: a client component 16 and a server component 23. Theclient component 16 may operate on a computer at the site of each of thepotential suppliers 30. Suppliers 30 make bids during the auction usingthe client component 16. The bids may be sent via the network serviceprovider 40 to the site of the coordinator, where it is received by theserver component 23 of the software application. The client component 16may include software used to make a connection through telephone linesor the Internet to the server component 23. Bids may be submitted overthis connection and updates may be sent to the connected suppliers.

[0044] Bids may only be submitted using the client component 16 of theapplication. This ensures that buyers do not circumvent the biddingprocess, and that only invited suppliers participate in the bidding.Bidders may see their bids and bids placed by other suppliers for eachlot on the client component 16. When a bidder submits a bid, that bid issent to the server component 23 and evaluated to determine whether thebid is from an authorized bidder and whether the bid has exceeded apre-determined maximum acceptable price. Bids placed by a supplier maybe broadcast to all connected bidders, thereby enabling everyparticipating bidder to quickly view the change in market conditions andbegin planning their competitive responses.

[0045] The embodiments of the invention may be implemented by aprocessor-based computer system. In one embodiment, the system includesa first database for receiving and storing fields in a plurality oflanguages, a second database for receiving and storing data in aplurality of languages, and one or more processors for providing to aneditor the fields in a base language chosen by the editor, accepting thedata from the editor in the base language and any additional languagesprovided by the editor, receiving from a reader one or more chosenlanguages to view the fields and data, and displaying the fields anddata in one of the chosen languages and/or the base language.

[0046] In another embodiment, the system is operatively connected to anetwork for facilitating communication over a network and includes meansfor providing to an editor fields in a first language to receive data,where the fields are available in at least a second language, means foraccepting the data from the editor in the first language and anyadditional languages provided by the editor, means for receiving from areader a language choice to view the fields and data, means fordetermining if the language choice is the first language, the secondlanguage or a third language, and means for displaying the fields andthe data in at the first language, second language, and/or thirdlanguage based upon the determination.

[0047] As shown further in FIG. 9, in accordance with the presentinvention, computer system 50 operates to execute the functionality forserver component 23. Computer system 50 includes a processor 21, amemory 22A and a disk storage 22B. Memory 22A stores computer programinstructions and data. Processor 21 executes the program instructions orsoftware, and processes the data stored in memory 22A. Disk storage 22Bstores data to be transferred to and from memory 22A. Note that diskstorage 22B can be used to store data that is typically stored indatabase 25.

[0048] All these elements are interconnected by one or more buses, whichallow data to be intercommunicated between the elements. Note thatmemory 22A is accessible by processor 21 over a bus and includes anoperating system, a program partition and a data partition. The programpartition stores and allows execution by processor 21 of programinstructions that implement the functions of each respective systemdescribed herein. The data partition is accessible by processor 21 andstores data used during the execution of program instructions.

[0049] For purposes of this application, memory 22A and disk 22B aremachine readable mediums and could include any medium capable of storinginstructions adapted to be executed by a processor. Some examples ofsuch media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory (RAM), programmable ROM, erasable programmable ROM,electronically erasable programmable ROM, dynamic RAM, magnetic disk(e.g., floppy disk and hard drive), optical disk (e.g., CD-ROM), opticalfiber, electrical signals, lightwave signals, radio-frequency (RF)signals and any other device or signal that can store digitalinformation. In one embodiment, the instructions are stored on themedium in a compressed and/or encrypted format. As used herein, thephrase “adapted to be executed by a processor” is meant to encompassinstructions stored in a compressed and/or encrypted format, as well asinstructions that have to be compiled or installed by an installerbefore being executed by the processor. Further, system 50 may containvarious combinations of machine readable storage devices, which areaccessible by processor 21 and which are capable of storing acombination of computer program instructions and data.

[0050] Computer system 50 also includes a network interface 28. Networkinterface 28 may be any suitable means for controlling communicationsignals between network devices using a desired set of communicationsprotocols, services and operating procedures. Communication protocolsare layered, which is also referred to as a protocol stack, asrepresented by operating system 24, a CBE-communication layer 26, and aTransport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) layer 27. Networkinterface 28 also includes connectors for connecting interface 28 with asuitable communications medium. Those skilled in the art will understandthat network interface 28 may receive communication signals over anysuitable medium such as twisted-pair wire, co-axial cable, fiber optics,radio-frequencies, and so forth.

[0051]FIG. 9 further shows another computer system 15 that operates toexecute the functionality for client component 16. Computer system 15includes a processor 31, a memory 32A, disk storage 32B, a networkinterface 38, and a protocol stack having a CBE-communication layer 37and a TCP/IP layer 35. These elements operate in a manner similar to thecorresponding elements for computer system 50.

[0052] Another embodiment of the invention includes a machine readablemedium for rendering data in different languages. This medium includes afirst machine readable code that provides to an editor fields in a firstlanguage to receive data, where the fields are available in at least asecond language, a second machine readable code for accepting the datafrom the editor in the first language and any additional languagesprovided by the editor, a third machine readable code for receiving froma reader a language choice to view the fields and data, a fourth machinereadable code for determining if the language choice is the firstlanguage, the second language or a third language, a fifth machinereadable code for displaying the fields and the data in the firstlanguage, second language, and/or third language based upon thedetermination.

[0053] While the invention has been described in detail and withreference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Forexample, although the invention is described in the context of onlineauctions, it may be applied to any communications over a network. Thus,it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing effective communication ina network comprising: obtaining from an editor data in a first language;accepting from the editor at least one allowable language other than thefirst language; receiving a request from a reader to access the data ina second language; if the second language is the at least one allowablelanguage, rendering a version of the data in the second language to thereader; and if the second language is not the at least one allowablelanguage, providing the data to the reader in the first language.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the obtaining comprises: entering fields bythe editor in the first language to create a template; and receiving thedata corresponding to the fields from the editor in the first language.3. The method of claim 1 wherein the accepting comprises: entering bythe editor the data in the second language.
 4. The method of claim 1further comprising: inputting by the editor the data in a thirdlanguage; receiving a request from another reader to access the data inthe third language; and providing the data to the other reader in thethird language.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the obtainingcomprises: inputting the data in the first language into fields, thedata including product description, commercial terms, lot details, anddesired bidders.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the editor comprisesa sponsor and the reader comprises a plurality of bidders, furthercomprising: choosing by the sponsor bidders to participate in anauction; sending invitations to the chosen bidders; accepting a chosenlanguage from each invited bidder; allowing each invited bidder toaccess the data in at least one of the chosen language and the firstlanguage.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the obtaining comprises:providing to the editor a template in the first language; and enteringby the editor the data into the template.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the obtaining comprises: accepting the data from the editor; andarranging the data into a commodity tree.
 9. The method of claim 1further comprising: receiving from the reader in order of preference aplurality of chosen languages.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein theaccepting comprises: providing by the editor at least a portion of thedata in the at least one allowable language.
 11. The method of claim 1wherein the translating comprises: providing a portion of the data inthe second language and any remaining portion of the data in the firstlanguage.
 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising: allowing theeditor to modify the data in the first language; and if the data is ableto be rendered in the second language, notifying the editor to updatethe data in the second language.
 13. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: separating any data that does not need to be rendered in thesecond language; providing the separated data to the reader as enteredby the editor.
 14. The of claim 1 further comprising: allowing theeditor to be the reader.
 15. A method for providing effectivecommunication in an electronic auction comprising: providing to aneditor a template to receive fields and data related to the auction in afirst language; accepting the fields and data from the editor in thefirst language and any additional languages provided by the editor;receiving from a reader a language choice to view the fields and data;if the language choice is the first language, displaying the fields andthe data in the first language; if the language choice is the secondlanguage, displaying the fields in the second language and the data inthe first language; and if the language choice is a third language,displaying the fields in at least one of the first and second languagesand the data in the first language.
 16. The method of claim 15 whereinthe receiving comprises: allowing more than one language choice.
 17. Asystem for providing effective communication in a network comprising: afirst database for receiving and storing text in a plurality oflanguages; a second database for receiving and storing data in aplurality of languages; and at least one processor for providing to aneditor the fields in a base language chosen by the sponsor, acceptingthe data from the editor in the base language and any additionallanguages provided by the editor, receiving from a reader at least onechosen language to view the fields and data, and displaying the fieldsand data in at least one of the chosen language and the base language.18. The system of claim 17 wherein a portion of the fields and data isshown in the chosen language.
 19. The system of claim 17 wherein thefields are shown in the chosen language and the data is shown in thebase language.
 20. A computer system operatively connected to a networkfor facilitating communication over a network, the system comprising:means for providing to an editor fields in a first language to receivedata, the fields being available in at least a second language; meansfor accepting the data from the editor in the first language and anyadditional languages provided by the editor; means for receiving from areader a language choice to view the fields and data; means fordetermining if the language choice is one of the first language, thesecond language and a third language; means for displaying the fieldsand the data in at least one of the first language, second language, andthird language based upon the determination.
 21. A machine readablemedium for rendering data in different languages comprising: a firstmachine readable code that provides to an editor fields in a firstlanguage to receive data, the fields being available in at least asecond language; a second machine readable code for accepting the datafrom the editor in the first language and any additional languagesprovided by the editor; a third machine readable code for receiving fromthe reader a language choice to view the fields and data; a fourthmachine readable code for determining if the language choice is thefirst language, the second language and a third language; a fifthmachine readable code for displaying the fields and the data in at leastone of the first language, second language, and third language basedupon the determination.